Charge On: Is #10 UCF THE ‘Real Deal’

Orlando, October 25, 2018 – The Knights Nation fan base, analysts and other neutral college football junkies have been voicing their UCF opinions on every platform possible it seems- while still not neglecting the cold hard FACTS. Let’s take a deeper dive into settling the hot commodity dispute among the FBS.

Weak schedule this, rankings and polls that- blah blah blah. Time to tie the knots, hold off on the debates (because the arguments will never stop as long as people have mouths and the ability to share so publicly) and focus the things that have no feelings- the NUMBERS.

Photo by Mary Holt

One thing nay-sayers can’t look past is the overall attention and viewership Central Florida is receiving this year (I know they’re not receiving the respect that’s deserved- deep breathes, I’m getting to that). The Knights’ win over the Pirates was 3rd most watched UCF football telecast of 2018- 486,000 viewers on ESPN2 according to ShowBuzzDaily.com

That game’s tune-in rate is right behind UCF’s Friday night win over Florida Atlantic on September 21st (1.295 million) on ESPN, and UCF’s win over Memphis on October 13th which was on ABC in the southeast and on ESPN2 for most of the nation. per SportsMediawatch.com

The Audacity! UCF (on 20-game win streak counting last season) and Alabama (18-game win streak counting last season) have closed games out indefinitely this season, winning every game by 20+ points- the only two teams in country to accomplish this dominant feat. Yet, UCF has remained 10th on the AP TOP 25 and #9 Coaches Poll for the past 3 weeks now. After tons of speculation and controversy with other CFB teams moving up the list who seem ‘unworthy’, this is where the lack of credit and respect lies, based on common rankings and matchups compared to the Knights’ season quests thus far.

Photo by Mary Holt

Exhibit A- 10/14/18 Speaking on 31-30 W over Memphis: “UCF fans should be outraged. To not move up (the AP polls) after a comeback win ON THE ROAD… in the rain… against a team that has been targeting this game for months… it’s a sham! Michigan moves up 6 spots for beating Wisconsin… I could’ve beaten Wisconsin…” exclaimed Spectrum 360 sports reporter Chris Torello, emphatically.